Cutting-Edge, Personalised Immunotherapy for Blood Cancers
Introduction
Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy—commonly known as CAR-T cell therapy—is one of the most advanced, personalised forms of cancer treatment available today. Unlike chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or standard immunotherapy, CAR-T uses the patient’s own immune cells, genetically engineers them to recognise cancer, and re-infuses them to launch a focused attack on malignant cells.
This approach has revolutionised outcomes in several blood cancers, especially in patients whose disease has relapsed multiple times or become resistant to conventional treatments. CAR-T therapy represents the frontier of precision oncology and offers new hope when traditional treatment options have been exhausted.
At our clinic, CAR-T therapy is offered through specialised referral networks and accredited centres, ensuring stringent selection, rigorous monitoring, and comprehensive pre- and post-treatment support.
1. What Is CAR-T Cell Therapy?
CAR-T therapy is a highly individualised treatment that involves modifying a patient’s own T-cells (a type of white blood cell) to attack cancer. The treatment involves:
CAR-T therapy gives the immune system a “new set of instructions” to fight cancer more effectively.
2. How CAR-T Cells Work
Cancer cells often avoid detection by hiding their antigens or suppressing the immune system. CAR-T therapy bypasses these escape mechanisms.
Mechanism of Action
This makes CAR-T cell therapy fundamentally different from most traditional treatments.
3. Cancers Treated with CAR-T Therapy
Currently, CAR-T therapy is primarily used in haematological malignancies.
Approved Indications Include:
Research is ongoing for applications in:
However, these are still investigational.
4. Steps in CAR-T Therapy
The CAR-T process typically takes several weeks and involves multiple stages.
1. Patient Evaluation
A multidisciplinary team assesses:
Not all patients are suitable candidates, especially those with severe organ dysfunction or rapidly progressing disease.
2. T-Cell Collection (Leukapheresis)
Blood is passed through a machine that isolates T-cells, while the rest of the blood returns to the body.
3. Genetic Engineering
In a controlled laboratory facility:
4. Cell Expansion
Millions to billions of CAR-T cells are grown in the lab over 2–3 weeks.
5. Lymphodepleting Chemotherapy
Before infusion, patients receive low-dose chemotherapy to:
This is not high-intensity chemotherapy.
6. CAR-T Cell Infusion
CAR-T cells are infused in a single, controlled setting.
This is similar to a blood transfusion.
7. Monitoring and Support
Patients are monitored closely for side effects, usually requiring hospital admission for 7–14 days.
5. Benefits of CAR-T Therapy
1. High Response Rates in Refractory Disease
Many patients who have failed multiple lines of treatment can achieve:
2. Potential for Long-Term Cure
CAR-T cells can persist and continue protecting the patient.
3. Personalised Treatment
Because CAR-T is made from the patient’s own cells, it is tailored uniquely for each individual.
4. Single Administration
Unlike chemotherapy cycles, CAR-T therapy is typically a one-time infusion.
5. Deeper Responses
CAR-T cells can reach cancer cells in locations where chemotherapy may be ineffective.
6. Potential Risks and Side Effects
CAR-T therapy is powerful, but its immune activation can lead to significant side effects that require expert management.
1. Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS)
The most common side effect.
Symptoms Include:
Management includes:
2. Immune Effector Cell–Associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome (ICANS)
A unique neurological toxicity.
Symptoms:
3. Infections
Due to immune suppression.
4. Low Blood Counts
Temporary but common.
5. Tumour Lysis Syndrome
Rapid cancer cell death leading to electrolyte imbalances.
Our Safety Protocols Include:
CAR-T therapy requires specialist infrastructure; we coordinate care with accredited centres to ensure safety.
7. Follow-Up and Recovery After CAR-T Therapy
Recovery continues for weeks to months.
Short-Term Follow-Up
Long-Term Follow-Up
Patients often continue prophylactic medications to prevent infections.
8. Who Is Not Eligible for CAR-T Therapy?
CAR-T may not be suitable for patients with:
Our clinical team conducts a detailed evaluation before proceeding.
9. CAR-T vs Other Treatments
CAR-T is not a replacement for chemotherapy or immunotherapy but rather a specialised therapy for selected patients.
10. Our Clinic’s Role in CAR-T Therapy
We provide a complete, structured pathway for patients requiring CAR-T:
1. Patient Evaluation and Selection
Detailed assessment by our haematology and medical oncology experts.
2. Pre-CAR-T Preparation
3. Seamless Referral and Monitoring
We collaborate with accredited CAR-T treatment centres and manage:
4. Psychosocial, Nutritional, and Family Support
CAR-T therapy is emotionally demanding. We support patients and caregivers throughout the process.
5. Survivorship Planning
Long-term monitoring and holistic care beyond remission.
Conclusion
CAR-T cell therapy represents a landmark shift in cancer treatment. For selected patients with relapsed or refractory blood cancers, it offers deep, durable responses and the possibility of long-term remission—even after multiple previous treatment failures.
Our clinic ensures that every patient considered for CAR-T therapy receives expert evaluation, comprehensive counselling, and coordinated, high-quality care throughout the entire treatment journey. With a commitment to Cure, Precision, and Compassion, we guide patients through every stage of this advanced, life-changing therapy.
